Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 S-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the S-Class since its last redesign.
S Class Quality
98 S420 and S500, 03/28/2010
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
The 98 and 99 S420 and S500 in my opinion where the best years for the S Class. The new shape in 2000 is very nice but not the same presidence of luxury. Every vehicle has issues no matter what, however this one gave me a few since 2002 I paid exactly $6500 to do repairs. Other than that these are and where the best on Gas, Performance, Style, Luxury, Strength, and just about everything else. This is a driver not a day to day traffic car for bumper grid lock so don't use it for that, get the C Class or a Honda. You need to drive this 70% of the time on the Freeway or Hwy and you can appreciate the S Class for what it is. Mercedes Benz S Class 420 and 500 are the best hands down all the way...
Ultimate Highway Cruiser
rchase, 08/08/2010
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
This car is the ultimate highway cruiser. The 6 cyl engine has plenty of power for passing and puts many V8's to shame with its smoothness and power. I have owned this car for many years and it has been super reliable and rather inexpensive to operate. If maintained correctly a Mercedes and even a complicated S class can provide years of reliable transportation at a reasonable cost. Even though this is a large car with a 6 cylinder engine its very fast. For its size it also handles really well. I had to follow a co worker in his Nissan 350z and had no problem keeping up with him even with his attempts to loose me on back roads.
20 years of Mercedes ownership and never as happy!
Justin Holder, 01/05/2016
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
26 of 27 people found this review helpful
Here's the deal – if you can find one of these that's been well-maintained, there's just not a better value on the road. I am in my mid-30s and have traded fortysomething times. I am very critical and get tired of vehicles quickly. I've had Mercedes for the last 12 years – almost everyone of the models. I came across this 99 S420 that have been owned by a general. Black on black. I'm in real estate, so I put a lot of miles on vehicles. I bought it to be more of a secondary vehicle for racking up miles, but it has quickly become my primary. Huge comfortable seats, quiet ride, incredibly safe. Everything is easy to replace, for the most part, if you have any little issues come up. There hasn't been an issue that I haven't been able to look up online and take care of myself – – and I'm not handy at all. Enjoy!!!
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Excellent ride, comfort, safety
HeyJohnnyK, 05/09/2009
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
Bought this car with 48K miles, now have 60K. First S-Class I've owned. Last of the S-classes where Mercedes only used top quality materials. Doors close like a vault. This is our mini- van alternative. I've been driving this for 18 months and still puts a smile on my face every time and feel safe putting my kids in it. Double pane glass makes for incredible quiet ride. Car is 500lbs heavier then newer models, but drives nicer. I have never experienced more comfortable seats, with their separate bottom cushion controls. No mechanical issues. Fixed close-assist motor and wheel sensor. For road trips, nothing better. Arrive relaxed. Sitting in traffic in silent cabin, no problem. Just buy one
a trusted friend
peter, 11/12/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 1997 and had a few repairs over the years including transmission and a few other costly repairs took out insurance a few years ago and helped w repair costs. In short Mercedes can make a more durable car but w all that this I hesitate to trade in the car. It is so reliable and comfortable and fast. I have brought up 4 kids in the car and it still looks like a new car when waxed. It also is an innately beautiful car in terms of styling. Rec form me get one and hold on you will work out repairs and then it will be cost efficient for the years held. There is no other 6 cyl with 14 mpg that gets this performance going to an 8 is something I would never do
We call it "Papa Bear Car"
Geronimo, 09/28/2010
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Our second 140-body Benz, total 15 years. Drove a '93 two extra years while I looked for a clean lo-mile '99, the 140's last year. Father- in-law's a big guy who played basketball for Pitt, so we need big front AND back seats. Mausoleum-quiet, heavy, comfortable. Four people can have a civilized conversation @ 70 mph. Don't buy one if you're not up to the parts chase, and the search for cooperative repair shops. But at $10K for a good lo- mileage example, this is a LOT of road car for the money. Used S cars have great initial- build-quality per dollar. Don't buy one unless you really want a big old German car with a decidedly Teutonic personality.
Best car in the world.
Igor Titar, 08/29/2002
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
The S-Class is the most beautiful car I've seen & drove. It feels like your driving a ship because its so smooth on the road, it is the creamiest & most comfortable ride & when you need to get somewhere quick it feels like driving a private jet. When I turn on the music it feels like Im at a consert. & when the ESP(traction control) system is on, it is almost impossible to lose control of the car, even if you try (I've tried, I took it out on the snow & tried all kinds of maneuvers to see if it looses traction) it almost feel like a train in its tracks.
1998 S420
Wes Benton, 07/28/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle all around some small minor issues however in long drives superb!! great take off, great traction, sounf system is real cool, and speed 138mhp through Mojave Desert, CA. Stop on a dime!!! This is a First Class Car especially when its detailed Black and Black everyone looks at like a with a stare of (Who is in there?) great feeling. Must keep up service not that expensive about $800-$900 per year on the low end. Solid ride very safe.
1998 S320 LWB (6) Year Owner
Mark S, 10/10/2009
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
The LWB S320 is my second Mercedes (replacing a 300E) and I hate to even consider trading it off. It is smooth, quiet although not a rocket off the line, it will hit highway speeds of 125 plus without issue. I hit and totaled a U-Haul truck that ran a red light several years ago and the Mercedes kept me safe and sound. The car was repaired and continues to be a great daily driver. I highly recommend buying and keeping a well maintained Big Body Benz. My wife enjoys driving the S320 as much as her Lexus especially on longer trips. I'm nearly 6'6" and I can tell you this is a great choice for a tall person wanting something besides an SUV or truck.
Great Car.
William McGrane, 02/25/2003
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
Great Car. I have enjoyed this vehicle very much, especially on long drives and vacations. You feel totally in control of the road and impervious to noise and heat.
6 YEARS AND I HAVE ACHIEVED MY DREAM MACHINE
pres_bailey, 09/11/2013
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought mine a year ago, and in spite of my love hate relationship with the car, it is still my dream car. My 99 S500 is my second Mercedes, the first being a 420sel, has enough power to move like a F16 in a dog fight with a Boeing 747. She is truly a contender for the greatest car of all time, certainly a top 3 finisher, and even at 14 years old she can still turn heads.
New buyer /older car
Chaz, 10/04/2008
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Went from an '89 430 to a '99 420s in late September. Am astonished by all the features and how beautifully this 10 year old car was built. Although I find the brake pedal a bit soft and it travels a little too far...was told by a mechanic that this is normal? Changed the almost worn back brake pads and the pedal now feels closer to normal. Will also bleed the line for trapped air bubbles. May put a little extra air in the tires to see if it improves cornering/handling. Undoing the negative lead on the battery will render the radio inoperable (anti theft feature) and you will have to get the "code" from Mercedes. Must read the owners manual to understand how everything works.
First time buyer
John Wood, 06/30/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
As a first time buyer, i am very pleased with my purchase.I have never owned a foreign car before. I would tell my friends to buy one.
My Mercedes S-320 (1999)
idlexus1, 07/31/2003
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a great car!! The only problem I have ahd is that I cannot get the windows to consistently roll down with the remote. There's either a problem in the remote or somewhere in the electrical system. When I take it back for maintenance, I will get that fixed. Otherwise, NO PROBLEM!! Mercedes definitely makes good cars. The price is worth it though.
Best Mercedes out there
Benzowner, 11/17/2004
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
I have a 1999 S320, It is my most favorite Mercedes because it has power and it is limited edition bullet proof. The S320 has alot of power considered the weight it has to pull. I would recommend the S320 to anyone. Never had a problem with it yet!
resale value went byby
white_de, 03/14/2003
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
extremely solid sedan butno dancer in the tulips like earlier MB. Must ignore Dealer on 30-32psi in tires, they have a max of 44 and 40-42 makes it handle much much better. idiots. hate the painted bumpers. exceptional power except when loaded heavy. No real reason to have the eight cylinder unless carrying a band of gypsies on every trip. Very poor ergos for any activities other than transport...do not expect cup holder to function- designed by committee of German engineers with tooooo much time on their hands. KISS! More solid than Lexus430 but not as refined. More elegant than 740 but nowhere as fun to drive
Traded my 2000 S-type
var, 11/29/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. After two years of problems with my S-Type.-. I now know what it is like to die and go to heaven. Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be the only car I buy from now on. It's not just the car it's the service as well. Jaguar's next car should be called...."Notmy -Type"
Saved my Life
Saved my life, 03/24/2010
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Absolutely loved this car from day 1. Rear-ended in January,2010 by a speeding vehicle. 87 yr old mom and I should have been totaled. I drove my car to the side of the road. I am looking for a replacement and want exactly the same car. I drive my Mercedes for 20 years and want another 10 in this model. If I could I would buy every single one on the road and drive a different color every day. This was Mercedes BEST...to date.
Niko
Natureboy, 06/14/2008
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Realiable, solid, powerful, luxurious, and safe. Great on long trips. Feels like an SUV. Acceleration is amazing for the kind of weight it carries. We love it so much we even named it "Niko." Instead of buying an entirely new car, I have opted to get new tires and rims. It already has a brand new steering wheel with wood trim, wood shifter, and chocolate brown leather mats.
expensive
david91101, 01/23/2003
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The car rides fine, but when things break, which is quite often, it is expensive on the parts, esp. the electronic parts, we are talking about from 350 to 1200.00 a piece without the labor charge wholesale.. watch out !! ohh!! the parts is more expensive than GOLD ?
1992 600SEL+1999 S600
wmikemarshall, 09/29/2011
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan
8 of 12 people found this review helpful
My first W140 experience was with the first year, 1992 600 SEL with 72K miles in perfect condition. I put 5,000 miles on it over 3 years and had $8000 in repairs! Avoid the early years! As of 6/2011 I decided to give the last year model (1999 S600 with 48K miles) another chance because of my fondness of this body style and incredible interior. Took in for basic oil change/tranny service. Back window bracket broke at $425 and another $1200 in adaptive dampening system. A beautiful and awesome car, powerful, incredible options but only great as a "Sunday driver" as they are just not dependable and extremely expensive to repair and maintain. So it is a "Love/Hate" relationship. 400 miles added
S320 Mercedes
MARK OUTTEN, 11/23/2005
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I am coming out of a 2002 E320. There is a remarkable difference in the two. The S drives smooth. Dollar for dollar good gas mileage for a big heavy sedan. This car corners very well, stops very. I do see the on board computer technology different in 2002 vs. 1999. Better still undecideded
Finest car made at any price - bar none
landman, 08/31/2003
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for about 2 1/2 years now and it's the finest car ever. Solid car that is extremely fun to drive. The car rockets from 65 MPH to 85 MPH at the press of the accelerator, great for highway cruisin'. I have had nothing but regular maintenace costs, no repair bills so far. I would argue that if you like the style of a Mercedes, buy it, it could be the last car you buy for many many years. Besides as for as safety goes you will be keeping you and your family safer in this car than ANY other car at ANY cost. That's value!!
Super Auto
REA, 12/01/2003
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought used, to replace 1995 S420. All around better auto. Great on long trips, bit tedious in local driving. Flexible service a real plus, only functional problem is opening/closing windows/sunroof with fob. Excellent acceleration and passing power. Definitely one of the finest autos I have ever owned. Dealer service has been splendid.
S420 - The only car
Payton, 04/11/2006
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
First true luxury car. Fun to drive. The acceleration is outstanding for a car of the size and weight. Great car for traveling. Noise level is very minimum compared to other vehicles. There is plenty of leg room for a 6'2" 245 lb guy. Service record has been excellent. The only major item to fail was covered by a warranty plan. I would purchase another if I had the chance. This one will be in my stable for a long time.
Best Mercedes I have owned
Vince S, 03/20/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 SWB 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my fifth, and best Mercedes, over the past 20 years. Purchased used with 30,000 miles on it. The quiet, smooth ride is great, and the power of the 320 engine is remarkable. Fuel economy is excellent, hitting 25 MPG on trips, and 21 MPG in town. Features are outstanding, especially the bose sound system. Nothing has gone wrong with the car in the 36,000 miles I have driven it. A truly fine automobile.
Black Opal Beauty
William G., 11/19/2022
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
1998 S 420: 306,000 miles to date ( November 2022 ) on the odometer. A joy to drive. Comfortable, spacious, responsive, agile and solid. Distinctive styling. Many have said to me that they wish they did not part with theirs.
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Perfection!
S-Klasser, 10/08/2023
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a s420 1998 and I need to share. I've had it since October 2020 and bought it with 297,000 km on it. I figured maintenance was more important than mileage. The car had been used to chauffeur people and I figured the commercial use meant maintenance. I got it for $15k AUD (about $10k USD) and it is a blue/green with light blue leather. It is absolutely the greatest car I have ever owned. I wanted a car with safety but not too many beeps. The brakes are amazing. It is the easiest car to drive ever. I have done many 12 hour drives in it which wouldn't happen in other cars. It is so sleek and powerful. Once it is warm it just glides along. I drove Gold Coast - Sydney in one tank. It loves the highway. Just east miles. The stereo is an 11 channel affair (11 different channels for 11 different speakers). It is mind blowing. Repairs are expensive. But what you get is great reliability, comfort, safety and a certain X factor. Pressing the accelerator fast when you are cruising along with give you a burst of acceleration better than most things on the road. I had a Golf R and it takes longer to gather up its skirt and get going. The Merc always ready. Similarly with getting out into traffic. Golf R would choke on its lunch before getting going and it was a heart attack maker. Merc "shoots" off the line. I look forward to driving it. I go outside just to look at it. I wash it lovingly. I love its character, I love its manner. Whether I am outside or inside it, it brings me joy. 3 years on and all up maintenance has been around 7k including Michelin (don't put anything but Michelin on and have them filled with nitrogen. it is like driving on liquid silk). I have only put like 15k on it in the three years but then we did have a global pandemic. Excessive petrol consumption does concern me but on the other hand if I drive this for the rest and don't buy something new (and also continue doing around 5,000 km per year) I feel like I'm somewhere neutral (I've installed solar and that also helps me feel like it is OK). I will drive this 7 hours one way for work rather than fly. I enjoy it that much.
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Live your dream and drive this jewel 1999 S500!
Jose Miguel Batista, 02/08/2019
updated 02/10/2020
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My W140 1999 S500 Sedan, is one of the best cars I have owned, is a dream to drive and very good on gas despite his big powerful engine. Parts are not crazy expensive but not cheap either, but the car is bullet prof if you maintained him correctly. leave him OEM or modd him with HR sport spring + nice 18'' set of wheels and you will have a modern classic beauty. Ride comfort is amazing and acceleration and handling will surprise you, if you want a car for the weekends, this is the choice! Update: this car just doesn't break down, what a solid car, after driven more that 10k is still solid.
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STATELY BENZ
PWa2902216, 02/03/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car thinking this is a keeper, that has remained to be seen. I would only recommend buying this car used and with a really good extended waranty-with the technology option.
finest car made
bluegreg, 06/02/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S600 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is luxury. I have driven many cars and this is the finest car I have ever driven. only 750 sold in the US between 1995-1999. so if you get one it is one of an elite group.
Solid automobile.
joel1030, 03/17/2004
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I leased this vehicle with low mileage from my business partner who had it for 4 years. It has been reliable with few problems. (However, the problems are expensive to get fixed once they occur.) I would highly recommend this car if you want top quality and willing to pay for the maintainance. Will be getting my business partners 2002 Lexus LS 430 nest year and will miss Mercedes materials.
Must be Crazy
Nancy02, 03/05/2003
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
My husband bought this car on a crazy impulse, He was so proud and happy about driving a benz around. He got a great deal and it only had 30k on it, but it has been nothing but trouble since he bought it. We have spend over $6000 on fixing this car since he bought it. It has been in the shop longer that it has been out of it. I know the person before me said that the vehicle is great, but I think he or she must me a benz dealer because everyone I talked to told me that they have had problems with their S420 as well. This was a mistake that we will never do again.
WORST CAR EVER
Mark W., 11/26/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S320 LWB 4dr Sedan
1 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have owned many cars prior to this MB, from Infiniti, BMW, Land Rover, Cadillac, Buick, Audi, and more. Never have I experience more troubles than I have since purchasing this car. I have had the car in service every month that I have owned it...from squeeks to transmission problems. And the service and sales from MB is the same at the quality of this car. Although I thought this car alone was a lemon, I soon realized that is not the case. Many others who own S-Class Mercedes have the same disappointing stories. My advice...AVOID this car at all costs!
When MB S420 was still a distinctive Car
Robert S., 02/19/2007
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S420 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing but praise! Had a '95 S420 with problems.Give it a second chance, I am so glad I did. Black on black = prestige and class!I Enjoy every trip (San Fran to L.A) Satisfaction? Don't skimp with the services, it pays in the long run! Comfort and style = 1998 S420 MB!